Travellers’ rest for giants only in shelter seats built too high

BUS SHELTERS with seats installed so high that they cannot be comfortably sat on have angered villagers, who complained that their legs were left dangling.

The seats were erected at new shelters in Feering, Essex, last week, but were built both 30in and 26in off the ground rather than the standard 20in.

Residents who use the transport network complained that the seats were “made for giants” and they are unable to use them without uncomfortably perching on the edge. Paul Thorogood, a local councillor, said his feet don’t touch the ground when he sits on the seats, despite being 6ft tall.

“The height of the seats isn’t very user-friendly, unless you’re a giant,” he said. “I’m 6ft and my legs are hanging off the edge.

“For a 5ft 2in pensioner with a dodgy knee or hip it’s totally unusable. They’re brand new and should be fitted at the correct height.

“Many people who are elderly or have a disability need to be able to sit down when waiting for a bus.” Mr Thorogood explained that a housing developer, Bloor Homes, paid for the bus shelters to be installed as part of a deal with the council to build 165 homes in the village.

However, because Essex county council is responsible for their upkeep, this could result in taxpayers having to fund any replacements, he said.

“Feering parish council used to own and maintain the bus stops before the new wooden ones were introduced as part of an agreement with Essex county council and Bloor Homes, who are currently building 165 homes,” he said.

“Essex county council is now responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the shelters.”

Mr Thorogood says the issue has been reported to Essex Highways. A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “The shelters were installed about eight months ago as part of a development but, with travel restrictions around Covid-19, this issue has only just come to light.

The Essex Highways maintenance team will arrange to have the seat lowered in both shelters as soon as possible.”

Bloor Homes was contacted for comment.

Local councillor Paul Thorogood is 6ft tall yet his feet still dangle inches above the pavement at the recently installed bus shelters, making them unusable for many others